Senate committee hears student appointees; members describe campus service and advocacy priorities

The Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee held public hearings for several gubernatorial appointees, administering oaths and hearing 2–3 minute statements from student trustees and regents.

Latasha Wortham, under oath, spoke about five years of service on the Tacoma Community College Board of Trustees and described family and community ties to Tacoma Community College. Wortham told the committee she values access and workforce-aligned education and asked for confirmation to continue serving on the board.

The committee then swore a panel of student gubernatorial appointees. Acacia Ingram (student trustee, Evergreen State College) described her advocacy work and leadership roles, Monica Yu (WSAC undergraduate council member and basic-needs lead) highlighted work on food and housing security, Colin Bannister (Washington State University student leader) emphasized experience lobbying for the Washington College Grant and WEA funds, Amina Hussain (WSU student regent) described student representation and equity priorities, Rama Tulayebaugh (Eastern student trustee) discussed bridging student voices to trustees, Apollonio 'Polo' Hernandez (student regent nominee, University of Washington) spoke about technology and health access, Kyla Gitolinadi (Edmonds College student trustee) described first-hand experience as an international student, and Ashlyn Tibbitt (Western student trustee) emphasized student voice and accessibility priorities.

Several student appointees noted the importance of elevating basic-needs, affordability and representation in governing discussions. The committee closed the hearing after the panel and later reported multiple appointments with a recommendation for confirmation during executive session.